France's Vinci confident on 2017 prospects

FILE PHOTO - The logo of Vinci is pictured during the company's 2011 annual results presentation in Paris February 8, 2012.Charles Platiau/File Photo

PARIS (Reuters) - France's Vinci (SGEF.PA) on Tuesday forecast higher revenue and profits this year on the strength of a French construction market upturn and a robust concessions business.

Europe's biggest construction and concession company also saw support this year from a new 800 million euro road infrastructure package announced by the French government, half of which was secured by Vinci.

"Despite uncertainty regarding the global economy, we expect increased activity in both our concessions and contracting businesses in 2017, along with higher group earnings," the statement said.

Vinci made the prediction after reporting forecast-beating revenues and profits for 2016.